McIlroy first European player to win 3 different majors

Rory McIlroy held off a spirited challenge from Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia to claim his third major title on a thrilling final day of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

McIlroy first European player to win three different majors Credit: PA

McIlroy took a six-shot lead over Rickie Fowler into the last round and was seven clear of Garcia, but saw that advantage cut to just two strokes as Garcia played the first 10 holes in five under par.
However, the 34-year-old Spaniard - fifth here in 2006 and now with 19 top-10s in 64 majors - crucially bogeyed the 15th to release some of the pressure and McIlroy would not be denied becoming the first European player to win three different majors since the Masters was founded in 1934.